Page 79 of Cartel King

I squeeze her hip as I look at her.

“Tonight.”

Chapter Fifteen

Ellie

All things considered, the conversation with my sons went better than it could’ve. It was tense at times, but it didn’t explode into an argument. I don’t think they’re going to say more once I’m alone, and Enrique can’t hear. They don’t approve, but they’re closer to accepting it. For now, I’ll take that.

I knew where Enrique’s house is, but I’ve never been here.

Holy fuck.

So, this is how the other half lives.

I lived in a three-thousand-square-foot home and felt it was more than big enough for five people. We all had space, which was great. We also had plenty to clean. Tommaso, Frank, and Tori all live in homes like the one I did. Theirs are a bit bigger than mine was. But the houses around me are bonified mansions. They’d swallow my current house and my old house in one bite. They must be seven- to nine-thousand-square-feet homes.

I can’t imagine rattling around in such a humongous house on my own. But as we arrive at the gates, and I see the driveway more clearly, I realize why. There are four cars in the driveway.

I’m not feeling anywhere near as confident as I walk into Enrique’s home for the first time. We’ve taken more showers together than any two people need in two days, but shower sex has never been that good. If he didn’t already carry me around whenever he wants, it would’ve terrified me the first time he picked me up with the slick shower floor. He swears he can carry all his nephews and that Alejandro—who I’ve seen—is the biggest. I don’t want to know if he’s practiced carrying them or needed to. I won’t ask.

But while Enrique finished our last shower alone—much to his disapproval—I stared at my closet, hating everything. I finally settled on a pair of capris and a floral top that covers my ta-ta’s completely. I don’t need anyone thinking I’m inappropriate with my clothing. I’m already that because of my family.

“Cariño, you look beautiful. I won’t leave you alone with them. I promise.”

He kisses my cheek, and I force myself to relax. No matter how many times I’ve faced death, this is the worst. It’s not one person gunning for me. It’s nine. It’s a fucking firing squad.

“Thank you, Daddy.” I whisper as I kiss his cheek in return.

He gives my hand a squeeze, then wraps his arm around my waist as we head toward voices I think are in the dining room. They’re already here.

“Don’t worry. If they don’t remember to call before they arrive from now on, I’ll change the locks.”

I love how when he smiles, creases form around his eyes and mouth. It’s sexy as all get out, and I’m certain it makes women wet and men hard, but it reassures me. He pats my ass as we approach the group.

I try to step away, not wanting to antagonize anyone by walking in with Enrique’s arm around me, but he pulls me to his side. His lips come to my ear.

“No one will stop me from touching you whenever and however I want. I will not hide how I feel about you from my family. This isn’t about publicly claiming you, even though I will. This is about me finally being with someone I share genuine affection with. Someone who makes me happy when I’m beside them.”

“I don’t want to anger them even more.”

“That’s for them to work through. My cartel. My home. My woman.”

He’s still smiling, but he’s dead serious.

I can’t react because we’re stepping through the archway, and there are nine people staring at us. I offer as warm a smile as I can muster. I sweep my gaze over the people gathered before me, but when my gaze meets Alejandro’s, his eyes widen. He shifts his focus to Enrique, and his shock morphs to anger.

“Alejandro, she could’ve shot you, but she didn’t. Be glad she figured out we’re related.”

Mothertrucker.

That isn’t the introduction I wanted.

“What?” An elegant woman pushes past two men to stand in front of Alejandro.

Marvelous.

“Catalina—”

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